Josh McDaniels 'thankful' to be back with the Patriots | VIDEO

Mark Daniels Journal Sports Writer MarkDanielsPJ

Friday

May 11, 2018 at 2:03 PM

FOXBORO — On Thursday, a group of rookies gathered in a meeting room deep inside Gillette Stadium. At the start of the team’s rookie minicamp, Bill Belichick addressed the newcomers in a team orientation. He explained what was expected of them and traits that the Patriots value.

While Belichick was talking, Josh McDaniels was jotting down everything in a notebook – things like team values, the importance of communication, punctuality and what trust means within the organization. By the time the meeting was over, the Patriots offensive coordinator had filled four pages.

McDaniels made a surprise return to the Patriots this offseason when he backed out of the Indianapolis Colts head-coaching job, the night the team announced his introductory press conference. McDaniels returned to Foxboro hoping to learn more from his mentor, Belichick.

The scene on Thursday was one example of how McDaniels is still trying to grow in his 18th season with the Patriots.

“I’m thankful,” McDaniels said. “Those things are not easy decisions to make. I’m sure a lot of us have had to make decisions of what we feel like is best for ourselves, our career, our families. I’m thankful to be here. This has been a great place for me. It’s really benefitted me and my family. We’re grateful to have an opportunity to work for Mr. Kraft and his family, to coach for Bill and to be with the staff every day, the players we have an opportunity to work with. It really is an opportunity that you have to cherish and be grateful for each day and I certainly am.”

When McDaniels backed out of the Colts job, it was a shocking turn of events. According to ESPN, McDaniels returned to Gillette Stadium after the Patriots Super Bowl loss to say bye. Instead, he met with Belichick and owner Robert Kraft. In that meeting, Belichick vowed to take his mentorship to a higher level, according to ESPN.

When McDaniels decided to return, Belichick reportedly told him that he'd spend more time with him to discuss things like roster management and the salary cap. From the outside looking in, it would seem that McDaniels’ knowledge of the inner workings of the Patriots would make him the ideal candidate to replace Belichick. On Friday, he said his return had nothing to do with him becoming Belichick’s successor.

“Nope. Nope. I mean, my role is the same,” McDaniels said. “Look, I think if you’re here, you have an opportunity to work with and for some of the best people in our game. Maybe some of the best people that have ever done those things in our game. So, I feel like it’s a great opportunity to be here in my role…. I took four pages of notes yesterday and I’ve been here for a long time. There’s a lot you get to build on and try to become better at your profession.”

Although he denies that his role has been altered, it was notable that McDaniels was in the Patriots war room during the 2018 NFL Draft. Typically, the cast of characters in that room is very small. Seeing McDaniels in the exclusive group would indicate that he played a larger role this year.

On Friday, McDaniels said it wasn’t his first time in the war room, but added that he wants to learn as much as he can and anytime he’s invited to learn from Belichick, he dives in headfirst.

In the end, it wasn’t easy to turn down the Colts job, but McDaniels is happy with his decision.

“You know, there’s a lot that goes into those things. It can be very complicated,” McDaniels said. “I’ll say this, I’ve stated again and again that I definitely want to be a head coach again. At the same time, I love being here. This is where my kids were born and raised. We’ve made a pretty special life here and that’s not an easy thing to leave. There’s a lot to consider.

“Certainly, leaving here, I don’t take lightly, ever. I would never take that lightly. It was a difficult process and I’m very happy with the decision that we made and grateful to be here and continue working towards the 2018 season.”

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